Transceiver module

ABSTRACT

The object is to provide a transceiver module that is capable of performing a high-rate communication, and satisfies the demand at a moderate cost in a case where short distance communication is enough for transmitting or receiving signals. 
     The transceiver module has a Re-timer  11 , a control portion  12 , a reference clock generating portion  13 , a power portion  14  and a CX4 interface  15 . The Re-timer  11  is coupled to a transceiver portion (Tx/Rx)  21  through an XAUI (10 Gigabit Media Independent Interface) interface  22 , and is coupled to other component that is coupled to one end of a cable  150  for balanced transmission through the CX4 (10GBASE-CX4) interface  15.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/635,545, filed Dec. 8, 2006 which also is a continuing application,filed under 35 U.S.C. §111 (a), of International ApplicationPCT/JP2004/008335, filed Jun. 15, 2004, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention generally relates to a transceiver module, and inparticular, relates to a transceiver module that is compliant with anEthernet (registered trademark) having a max transfer rate at 10 Gbps.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, there is a demand for further improvement of a transmissionrate and a further extension of transmission distance because of adevelopment of information society. A signal transferred on a network ischanging from electricity to light.

There is an optical transceiver module disclosed in Japanese PatentApplication Publication No. 2002-328269, as a communication device thatuses an optical signal, has large capacity, and performs high-speedcommunication. FIG. 1 illustrates a structure of an optical transceivermodule 900 based on the prior art.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical transceiver module 900 has a housing901, a bezel 902, two optical connectors 903, a PCB (Printed CircuitBoard) connector 904 and a rail 905. The optical transceiver module 900is attached to an information-processing device (hereinafter referred toa host device) such as a sever device, a network communication device (aswitch, a router or the like) with the rail 905.

The PCB connector 904 is what is called a card edge type of connector,and is coupled directly to a motherboard (a system board) of aninformation-processing device. The PCB connector 904 is configured so asto be compliant with a generic XAUI (10 Gigabit Attachment UnitInterface). That is, the optical transceiver module 900 is coupled tothe information-processing device through the XAUI in the prior art.

In the housing 901, there are provided a transmitter and a receiver notin shown in FIG. 1. Data fed from the information-processing device are,therefore, converted into optical signals in the transmitter and aretransferred to an optical cable (not in shown in FIG. 1) coupled to theoptical connector 903. In addition, the optical signals fed from theoptical cable are converted into electrical signals in the receiver andare fed into the information-processing device through the PCB connector904.

However, there is a problem that a communication device for transmittingor receiving optical signals such as the transmitter and the receivermentioned above is expensive and lacks in generality compared to acommunication device for transmitting or receiving electrical signals.

On the other hand, a specification, in particular a transmissiondistance, achieved in an optical communication is not always necessaryand there is a case where an electrical communication solves theproblem, if an information-processing device such as a server device isprovided in a central area of a building when a system such as a LAN(Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) is structured.

Various aspects of this invention have been made in view of theabove-mentioned circumstances. The present invention provides atransceiver module that is capable of performing a high-ratecommunication, and satisfies the demand at a moderate cost in a casewhere short distance communication is enough for transmitting orreceiving signals.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, preferably, there isprovided a transceiver module including a connector for balancedtransmission, a card edge connector and a transceiver portion, asclaimed in claim 1. An electrical cable for balanced transmission isattachable to and detachable from the connector. The card edge connectoris attachable to and is detachable from a motherboard of aninformation-processing device. The transceiver portion transmits data toand receives data from other components coupled to the electrical cableand the information-processing device. If an electrical cable havingeight pairs of terminals, that is to say, an electrical cable havingeight pairs of pair lines for balanced transmission, is used, it ispossible to use an inexpensive element and a communication media. Thisis because an element and a cable for electrical signals are inexpensivecompared to those for optical signals. In addition, 10 Gigabit Ethernet(registered trademark) that allows a relatively high-speed communicationis compliant with IEEE802.3z 10GBASE-CX4. According to the compliance,it is possible to use the electrical cable having eight pairs of pairlines for balanced transmission. It is therefore possible to achievehigh-speed communication by adopting this compliance.

In the transceiver module as claimed in claim 1, the transceiver portionmay be coupled to the information-processing device through a 10 GigabitAttachment Unit Interface compliant with IEEE802.3ae and may be coupledto the other components through a CX4 interface compliant withIEEE802.3z 10GBASE-CX4, as claimed in claim 2. An interface coupling thetransceiver module and the other components may be a CX4 interfacecompliant with IEEE802.3z 10GBASE-CX4. It is therefore possible tocouple the transceiver module and the other components through arelatively high-speed communication tool. In addition, an interfacecoupling the transceiver module and the other components may be a XAUI(10 Gigabit Attachment Unit Interface) interface compliant withIEEE802.3ae. It is therefore possible to couple the transceiver moduleand the other components through a relatively high-speed communicationtool. As mentioned above, it is possible to couple aninformation-processing device and the other components through arelatively high-speed communication tool, by using a relativelyhigh-speed interface.

The transceiver module as claimed in claim 1 may further include acontrol portion that controls the transceiver portion, as claimed inclaim 3. And the control portion may control the transceiver portionaccording to a control signal that is fed from theinformation-processing device through the card edge connector. That is,the transceiver portion in the transceiver module may be configured tobe controllable from the host device side.

The transceiver module as claimed in claim 1 may further include a powerportion that provides electrical power to at least the transceiverportion, as claimed in claim 4. And the power portion may provide theelectrical power according to a power supply voltage applied from theinformation-processing device through the card edge connector. That is,electrical power may be provided to the transceiver module from the hostdevice side.

The transceiver module as claimed in claim 1 may further include areference clock generating portion that generates a reference clock, asclaimed in claim 5. And the transceiver portion may detect a clock froma signal that is fed from the connector for balanced transmission. Thetransceiver portion may adjust an edge timing between a bit range thatis fed from the information-processing device and the reference clockthat is fed from the reference clock generating portion, may synchronizewith the other components, and may transmit the data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, preferably, thereis provided a transceiver module including a connector for balancedtransmission, a card edge connector, a transceiver portion, a detectingportion and a power providing portion, as claimed in claim 6. Theconnector for balanced transmission is coupled electrically or opticallyto an electrical cable and an optical cable, the electrical cable havinga signal terminal and ground terminals, the optical cable having aphotoelectric conversion portion, a signal terminal and ground terminalsand being for balanced transmission. The card edge connector isattachable to and is detachable from a motherboard of aninformation-processing device. The transceiver portion transmits data toand receives data from other components coupled to the electrical cableor the optical cable and the information-processing device. Thedetecting portion detects whether a cable coupled to the connector forbalanced transmission is the electrical cable. The power providingportion provides an electrical power to the electrical cable if thecable is the electrical cable. The transceiver module can respond toboth the optical cable and the electric cable by itself and can provideelectrical power according to need, because the transceiver module candetect whether a cable coupled to the connector for balancedtransmission is the electrical cable.

In the transceiver module as claimed in claim 6, the detecting portionmay detect whether the cable is the electrical cable according to anelectrical potential at the ground terminals, as claimed in claim 7.

In the transceiver module as claimed in claim 6, the power providingportion may provide an electrical power to the electrical cable throughone of the ground terminals, as claimed in claim 8.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, preferably,there is provided a transceiver module including a connector, a cardedge connector, a transceiver portion, a latch portion, a wedge portionand a lever for operation of the wedge portion. The connector forbalanced transmission is coupled to an electrical cable electrically oris coupled to an optical cable optically. The card edge connector isattachable to or is detachable from a motherboard of aninformation-processing device. The transceiver portion transmits data toor receives data from other components coupled to the electrical cableor the optical cable and the information-processing device. The latchportion is projecting from a side face of a chassis of the transceivermodule. The wedge portion houses the latch portion in the chassis. Thelever is configured integrally with the wedge portion. The wedge portionpulls the latch portion into the chassis when the lever slides in adrawing direction of the transceiver module. It is therefore possible toprevent an unconsidered detachment of the transceiver module whenattached. In addition, it is possible to achieve the prevention with asimple configuration.

The transceiver module as claimed in claim 9 may further include aspring that returns the lever to normal condition.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably,there is provided a transceiver module including a connector, a cardedge connector, a transceiver portion, a first chassis, a secondchassis, a convexed locking mechanism and a concaved locking mechanism.The connector is coupled to an electrical cable electrically or iscoupled to an optical cable optically. The card edge connector isattachable to or is detachable from a motherboard of aninformation-processing device. The transceiver portion transmits data toor receives data from other components coupled to the electrical cableor the optical cable and the information-processing device. The firstchassis and the second chassis form a housing of the transceiver module.The convexed locking mechanism is provided at the first chassis. Theconcaved locking mechanism is provided at the second chassis. The firstchassis and the second chassis are formed through pressing process ormolding process. It is possible to reduce weight of the transceivermodule, is possible to improve a manufacturing accuracy or aproductivity rate of the transceiver module, and is possible to providethe transceiver module at moderate cost, because at least a part of thechassis is formed through pressing process or molding process.

In the transceiver module as claimed in claim 11 the first chassis andthe second chassis formed through pressing process or molding processmay be processed through drawing process, and may be directly orindirectly in touch with a surface-mounted component housed in thehousing, as claimed in claim 12. It is possible to emit heat generatedin the surface-mounted component efficiently, because the chassis formedthrough pressing process or molding process is directly or indirectly intouch with the surface-mounted component.

In the transceiver module as claimed in claim 11, the first chassis andthe second chassis formed through pressing process or molding processmay have an air hole that exposes at least a part of a surface-mountedcomponent housed in the housing, as claimed in claim 13. It is possibleto emit heat generated in the surface-mounted component, because atleast a part of the surface-mounted component is exposed.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, preferably,there is provided a connector for balanced transmission including asocket, a photoelectric conversion portion, an external connectionconnector, first internal connection connector and a board. An opticalcable is attachable to and detachable from the socket. The photoelectricconversion portion is provided on a bottom part of the socket. Theexternal connection connector is to be coupled to an external device.The first internal connection connector is provided on an opposite facefrom the socket of the photoelectric conversion portion. The board has acard edge type of a first connector at one end thereon. The board andthe photoelectric conversion portion are coupled electrically when thefirst connector is inserted in the first internal connection connector.It is possible to arrange the socket, the photoelectric conversionportion and the board linearly and is possible to reduce the thicknessof the connector for balanced transmission.

In the connector for balanced transmission as claimed in claim 14, theexternal connection connector and the board may be coupled electricallythrough a right angle SMT type of a connector, as claimed in claim 15.

In the connector for balanced transmission as claimed in claim 14, theexternal connection connector and the board may be coupled electricallythrough a clipping SMT type of a connector, as claimed in claim 16.

In the connector for balanced transmission as claimed in claim 14, agiven impedance of a signal line provided on the board may be 100 ohmagainst a differential signal, as claimed in claim 17.

The connector for balanced transmission as claimed in claim 14 mayfurther include a chassis housing the photoelectric conversion portionand the board. And the chassis may be metallic. It is possible toimprove the electrical characteristic.

The connector for balanced transmission as claimed in claim 14 mayfurther include a fixing portion having a screw shape that secures theconnector for balanced transmission to the external device. It ispossible to prevent an unconsidered detachment of the connector forbalanced transmission from an external device.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, it is possible to provide atransceiver module that is capable of performing a high-ratecommunication, and satisfies the demand at a moderate cost in a casewhere short distance communication is enough for transmitting orreceiving signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of one or more aspects of the invention will bedescribed with reference to the following drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an optical transceiver module900 based on the prior art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a schematic exterior of atransceiver module 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the transceiver module 100 (anexterior viewed toward the minus Z-direction), FIG. 3B illustrates aside view of the transceiver module 100 (an exterior viewed toward theX-direction), and FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the transceivermodule 100 (an exterior viewed toward the Z-direction);

FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of the transceiver module 100 (anexterior viewed toward the Y-direction), FIG. 4B illustrates a back viewof the transceiver module 100 (an exterior viewed toward the minusY-direction) and FIG. 4C illustrates a cross sectional view taken alonga line A-A shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 illustrates a structure of a cable 150 for balanced transmissionto be coupled to a connector 103 for balanced transmission in accordancewith the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the transceiver module 100 inaccordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of the connector 103 for balancedtransmission, FIG. 7B illustrates a front view of the connector 103 forbalanced transmission (an exterior viewed toward the minus Z-direction),FIG. 7C illustrates a side view of the connector 103 for balancedtransmission (an exterior viewed toward the X-direction), and FIG. 7Dillustrates a back view of the connector 103 for balanced transmission(an exterior viewed toward the Z-direction);

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the connector 103 for balancedtransmission, FIG. 8B illustrates a front view of the connector 103 forbalanced transmission (an exterior viewed toward the minus Z-direction),FIG. 8C illustrates a side view of the connector 103 for balancedtransmission (an exterior viewed toward the X-direction), and FIG. 8Dillustrates a back view of the connector 103 for balanced transmission(an exterior viewed toward the Z-direction);

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram showing the circuit configuration ofthe transceiver module 100 in accordance with the first embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates a use example of pins of an XAUI interface 22;

FIG. 11 illustrates a use example of a CX4 interface 15;

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram showing the circuit configuration ofa transceiver module 200 in accordance with a second embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a connector 250 for balancedtransmission for optical cables in accordance with the secondembodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a circuit configuration of a detecting/powerproviding circuit 26 in accordance with the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a schematic exterior of atransceiver module 300 in accordance with a third embodiment (normalcondition);

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a schematic exterior of thetransceiver module 300 in accordance with the third embodiment(unlocking condition);

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of the transceiver module 300 inaccordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B illustrates an operation of a wedge 304 and alatch 302 in accordance with the third embodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of a transceiver module 400 inaccordance with a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross sectional view showing a structure of aconnector 500 for balanced transmission for optical cables in accordancewith a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a structure of a connector 550 for balancedtransmission for optical cables in accordance with the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B illustrate a perspective view of a connector forbalanced transmission in accordance with a sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of another connector for balancedtransmission.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description will now be given, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, of embodiments of the present invention.

First Embodiment

A detail description will be given of a transceiver module 100 inaccordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, withreference to the following drawings. The first embodiment relates, inparticular, to a transceiver module compliant with an Ethernet(registered trademark) having a max transfer rate at 10 Gbps. Thetransceiver module can be coupled to a cable 150 for balancedtransmission mentioned later (referring to FIG. 5) and allows sending orreceiving data between information-processing devices such as a serverdevice, a network communication device (host device) or the like.However, this invention is not limited to these mentioned above and issusceptible of modification, variation and change without departing fromthe proper and fair meaning.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a schematic exterior of thetransceiver module 100 in accordance with the first embodiment. As shownin FIG. 2, the transceiver module 100 has a housing 101, a bezel 102, aconnector 103 for balanced transmission, a PCB terminal 104 and a groundterminal 106.

The housing 101 houses a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred toPCB) having an internal circuit mentioned later and so on thereon. A PCB113 (referring to FIG. 6) and the internal circuit will be describedwith reference to FIG. 9.

The bezel 102 is an outer chassis provided on one side face of thehousing 101, in particular a face of the housing 101 exposed outside ofan information-processing device body when the transceiver module 100 isimplemented on the information-processing device. The bezel 102 is alsoreferred to a front bezel. Hereinafter, the information-processingdevice is referred to a host device. A direction of insertion of thetransceiver module 100 is referred to a Y-direction. A directionvertical to the Y-direction and in parallel with a plane of the PCB 113is referred to an X-direction. A direction vertical to the X-directionand the Y-direction is referred to a Z-direction.

The connector 103 for balanced transmission to be coupled to the cable150 for balanced transmission (referring to FIG. 5) is provided at thecentral part of the bezel 102. That is to say, the connector 103 forbalanced transmission has a structure where the cable 150 for balancedtransmission is attachable and is detachable. The connector 103 forbalanced transmission may be compliant with an interface standard forIEEE802.3z 10Gbase-CX4 or the like. The shape of the connector 103 willbe given in detail later.

A part of the PCB 113 having the internal circuit thereon is projectingfrom the housing 101. The projecting part has the PCB terminal 104 thatcouples the transceiver module 100 and the host device electrically. ThePCB terminal 104 is what is called a card edge connector, and isattachable to and is detachable from a connector provided in amotherboard of the host device. That is, the connector provided in themotherboard is coupled electrically to the PCB terminal 104 of thetransceiver module 100, when the transceiver module 100 is attached to afixed slot of the host device. The PCB terminal 104 may be compliantwith IEEE802.3ae XAUI (10 Gigabit Attachment Unit Interface).

The ground terminal 106 is coupled electrically to a ground lineprovided in the host device when the transceiver module 100 is attachedto the host device, as well as the PCB terminal 104. It is thus possibleto earth the housing 101 and other members.

Next, a description will be given in detail of the outer structure ofthe transceiver module 100 with reference to the following drawings.FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the transceiver module 100 (anexterior viewed toward the minus Z-direction). FIG. 3B illustrates aside view of the transceiver module 100 (an exterior viewed toward theX-direction). FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the transceivermodule 100 (an exterior viewed toward the Z-direction). FIG. 4Aillustrates a front view of the transceiver module 100 (an exteriorviewed toward the Y-direction). FIG. 4B illustrates a back view of thetransceiver module 100 (an exterior viewed toward the minusY-direction). FIG. 4C illustrates a cross sectional view taken along aline A-A shown in FIG. 3A.

As shown in FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C and FIG. 4A through FIG. 4C, thetransceiver module 100 has a first chassis 111, a second chassis 112,the PCB 113, the bezel 102, the connector 103 for balanced transmission,the PCB terminal 104, the ground terminal 106, a rail 117, an assemblingscrew 119 and a fixing screw 120.

The first chassis 111 and the second chassis 112 form the housing 101.The PCB 113 is housed in the first chassis 111 and the second chassis112 assembled together. The PCB 113 is a board having the internalcircuit thereon, mentioned above.

In the second chassis 112, the rail 117 is provided in parallel with theinsertion direction into the host device of the transceiver module 100.On the other hand, in the slot where the transceiver module 100 is to beinserted, there is provided a rail groove to be engaged with the rail117. Therefore, when the transceiver module 100 is inserted into thehost device, the rail 117 slides along the rail groove and thetransceiver module 100 is guided to a regular position. And the PCBterminal 104 is inserted in a connector provided on a bottom of the slotin the host device.

The fixing screw 120 is a screw for fixing the transceiver module 100when the transceiver module 100 is attached to the host device. That is,there is provided a screw hole at a given position of the host device.The transceiver module 100 is fixed to the host device, when thetransceiver module 100 is inserted in the fixed slot and the fixingscrew 120 is installed in the screw hole.

In addition, a description of the bezel 102, the connector 103 forbalanced transmission, the PCB terminal 104 and the ground terminal 106is omitted because the description was given above. A description willbe given later of the assembling screw 119 with reference to FIG. 6.

Next, a description will be given of a structure of the cable 150 forbalanced transmission to be coupled to the connector 103 for balancedtransmission, with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the cable150 for balanced transmission has a housing 151, a connector body 152for balanced transmission, a plug (female) 153 for balancedtransmission, an electrical cable 154 and an engaging groove 155. Adescription will be given later of the engaging groove 155.

The connector body 152 for balanced transmission is implemented in aforward end side (side of the transceiver module 100) of the housing151. The plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission is projecting atthe forward end of the housing 151. The electrical cable 154 extendsfrom a back end of the housing 151.

The plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission is a connector unit tobe engaged with the connector 103 for balanced transmission mentionedabove (in particular, a plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission).Therefore, the plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission may becompliant with an interface standard for IEEE 802.3z 10GBASE-CX4 or thelike.

Next, a description will be given in detail of another structure of thetransceiver module 100 with reference to an exploded view illustrated inFIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 6, the transceiver module 100 has the first chassis111, the second chassis 112, the PCB 113, the connector 103 for balancedtransmission, the bezel 102 and an inner cover 118.

The PCB 113 having the internal circuit thereon has holes 116. Inaddition, the second chassis 112 has screw holes 123. The PCB 113 issecured to a given position of the second chassis 112 with assemblingscrews 115. The PCB 113 is housed in the housing 101, when the openingside of the second chassis 112 is sealed with the first chassis 111after the PCB 113 is secured.

As mentioned above, the PCB terminal 104 is provided at one end part ofthe PCB 113, an end part to be inserted in a PC. In contrast, there isprovided an internal terminal 114 to be coupled to a metal pattern ofthe connector 103 for balanced transmission at the other end part, anend part where the connector 103 for balanced transmission is provided,of the PCB 113.

The connector 103 for balanced transmission is a unit having the plug(male) 130 for balanced transmission to be engaged with the plug(female) 153 for balanced transmission. Therefore, the plug (male) 130for balanced transmission is coupled electrically to the metal patternformed on the plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission, when the plug(male) 130 for balanced transmission is inserted in the plug (female)153 for balanced transmission.

After the first chassis 111, the second chassis 112, the PCB 113 and theconnector 103 for balanced transmission are assembled together, the sideof the connector 103 for balanced transmission is sealed with the bezel102. The bezel 102 has holes 121. In addition, the second chassis 112has screw holes 122. The bezel 102 is secured to a given position of thesecond chassis 112 with the assembling screws 119. In this case, it ispossible to prevent an ingression of dust and to increase strength ofthe transceiver module 100, if the inner cover 118 is provided betweenthe bezel 102 and the second chassis 112.

As mentioned above, the ground terminal 106 is provided at the rail 117for guiding the transceiver module 100 to the regular position. On theother hand, the rail groove of the host device mentioned above serves asa ground line. Components coupled to the ground terminal 106 are thusearthed if implemented.

Further, the bezel 102 has at least two holes 124, as mentioned above.On the other hand, there are provided screw holes at positionscorresponding to the holes 124 in the host device. It is thus possibleto secure the transceiver module 100 to the host device when the fixingscrews 120 are inserted in the holes 124 and the fixing screws 120 areinstalled in the screw holes in the host device.

Next, a description will be given of a structure of the connector 103for balanced transmission in accordance with the first embodiment, withreference to FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D. FIG. 7A illustrates a perspectiveview of the connector 103 for balanced transmission. FIG. 7B illustratesa front view of the connector 103 for balanced transmission (an exteriorviewed toward the minus Z-direction). FIG. 7C illustrates a side view ofthe connector 103 for balanced transmission (an exterior viewed towardthe X-direction). FIG. 7D illustrates a back view of the connector 103for balanced transmission (an exterior viewed toward the Z-direction).

As shown in FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D, the connector 103 for balancedtransmission has the plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission, anengaging claw 131, a fixing portion 132 and an internal terminal 133.

As mentioned above, the plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission is aunit to be coupled to the plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission ofthe cable 150 for balanced transmission and to form an electricalconnection. When the engaging claw 131 is engaged with the engaginggroove 155 of the cable 150 for balanced transmission, the cable 150 forbalanced transmission is secured to the transceiver module 100. Thefixing portion 132 determines the position of the connector 103 forbalanced transmission with respect to the housing 101 formed of thefirst chassis 111 and the second chassis 112, and secures the connector103 for balanced transmission. The internal terminal 133 forms anelectrical connection, when the internal terminal 133 contacts to theinternal terminal 114 of the PCB 113.

FIG. 8A through FIG. 5D illustrate another structure of the connector103 for balanced transmission. The structure shown in FIG. 8A throughFIG. 8D is nearly the same as that shown in FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D. Theshape of a fixing portion 132A is different from the fixing portion 132shown in FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D. It is thus possible to change theconnector 103 for balanced transmission diversely.

Next, a description will be given of a circuit configuration of thetransceiver, that is to say, a configuration of the internal circuitmounted on the PCB 113, with reference to following drawings.

FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram showing the circuit configuration ofthe transceiver module 100. As shown in FIG. 9, the transceiver module100 has a Re-timer 11, a control portion 12, a reference clockgenerating portion 13, a power unit 14 and a CX4 interface 15. Thetransceiver module 100 is coupled to a transceiver portion (Tx/Rx) 21 inthe host device through an XAUI interface (10 Gigabit Attachment UnitInterface) 22, and is coupled to other components coupled to one end ofthe cable 150 for balanced transmission through the CX4 interface 15. Inaddition, the internal circuit formed on the PCB 113 mentioned above isformed of the Re-timer 11, the control portion 12, the reference clockgenerating portion 13, the power unit 14 and the CX4 interface 15.

The transceiver portion (Tx/Rx) 21 provided at the host device side is adevice achieving XGXS (10 Gigabit Ethernet (registered trademark)Extended Sublayer) compliant with IEEE802.3ae. That is, the transceiverportion (Tx/Rx) 21 is one of applications developed for 10 GigabitEthernet (registered trademark) compliant with IEEE802.3ae, and servesas a connection between the XGMII (10 Gigabit Media IndependentInterface) device and the XAUI device. The XGMII device is one of theapplications compliant with IEEE802.3ae, and is an interconnectinterface of DDR (Double Data Rate) at 156 MHz, is concurrent, has asmall range, and supports the MAC (Media Access Control) of 10 GigabitEthernet (registered trademark) and an interface of PHY (Physical layer)device.

The Re-timer 11 detects a clock from a signal fed from the host devicethrough the connector 103 for balanced transmission. The Re-timer 11adjusts edge timing between a bit range of data input from the hostdevice and a reference clock input from the reference clock generatingportion 13, and synchronizes with a network formed by the electricalcable 154. The Re-timer 11 transmits data input from the transceiverportion (Tx/Rx) 21 provided at the host device side to another componentcoupled to the other end of the cable 150 for balanced transmission. Inaddition, the circuit synchronizing with the network is referred to asynchronous circuit (Normalization) 11 a in the embodiment. The Re-timer11 inputs the data fed from the network to the transceiver portion(Tx/Rx) 21 in the host device.

The Re-timer is coupled to the transceiver portion (Tx/Rx) 21 throughthe XAUI interface 22. The XAUI interface 22 is one of the applicationscompliant with IEEE802.3ae and is a high-speed interconnection providinga pin count reduction, as mentioned above. As a reference, FIG. 10illustrates a use example of pins of the XAUI interface 22.

As shown in FIG. 10, the XAUI interface 22 has a connector shape having70 pins. A first pin through a thirty-fifth pin are used for inputterminals of control signals to control the power unit of thetransceiver module 100 and other components such as the control portion12. A thirty-sixth pin through a seventieth pin are used for inputtingor outputting objective data. Data are input as eight pairs ofdifferential signals, as is clear with reference to the pins forinputting or outputting data, that is to say, the thirtieth pin throughthe seventieth pin.

On the other hand, the Re-timer 11 is coupled to the network through theCX4 interface 15. That is, the connector 103 for balanced transmissionand the cable 150 for balanced transmission are compliant with10GBASE-CX4. FIG. 11 illustrates a use example of the CX4 interface 15,as a reference.

As shown in FIG. 11, the CX4 interface 15 has eight pairs of pins (S1+through S8+ and S1− through S8−) for inputting or outputting objectivedata. There are provided nine pins (G1 through G9) respectively betweenthe eight pairs of pins. The nine pins are mainly used for groundterminals. The S1 (+, −) pin through the S8 (+, −) pin are used forsignal terminals and respectively corresponds to the sixty-fifth and thesixty-fourth pins, to the sixty-second and the sixty-first pins, to thefifty-ninth and the fifty-eighth pins, to the fifty-sixth and thefifty-fifth pins, to the fifty-first and the fiftieth pins, to theforty-eighth and the forty-seventh pins, to the forty-fifth and theforty-fourth pins, and the forty-second and the forty-first pins. Thatis, the cable 150 for balanced transmission transmits objective data asdeferential signals through the eight pairs of cables.

Referring back to FIG. 9, the control portion 12 controls the Re-timer11 according to control signals such as MIDO signals, MDC signals or theother signals that are fed from the host device. In addition, thereference clock generating portion 13 generates the reference clock usedto be synchronized to the network, and inputs the clock reference to thecontrol portion 12. The control portion 12 thus operates the Re-timer 11according to the reference clock and controls the Re-timer 11 so as totransmit or receive data.

In addition, the power unit (Hot Swap Control) 14 applies a power supplyvoltage Vcc fed from the host device through the XAUI interface 22 intothe transceiver module 100.

In accordance with the embodiment, it is possible to provide atransceiver module that is capable of performing a high-ratecommunication, and satisfies the demand at a moderate cost in a casewhere short distance communication is enough for transmitting orreceiving signals.

Second Embodiment

Next, a detail description will be given of a second embodiment withreference to following drawings. Hereinafter, the same components andconfigurations as those of the first embodiment have the same referencenumerals and a detailed explanation will be omitted. In addition,unspecified configuration is same as in the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, only electrical signals are intended. Incontrast, both of electrical signals and light signals are intended inthe second embodiment. In addition, the structure of a transceivermodule 200 is as same as that of the transceiver module 100. A detaildescription is omitted. A detail description will be given of a circuitconfiguration that is characteristic part of the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a block diagram showing a circuit configuration ofthe transceiver module 200 in accordance with the second embodiment. Asshown in FIG. 12, the transceiver module 200 in accordance with theembodiment has the same configuration as that of the transceiver module100 shown in FIG. 9 in accordance with the first embodiment and adetecting/power providing circuit 26.

The detecting/power providing circuit 26 detects a type of cable (theelectrical cable/the optical cable 154) coupled to the connector 103 forbalanced transmission. That is, the detecting/power providing circuit 26detects whether the type of cable is an electrical cable or an opticalcable. However, it is not possible to couples an optical cable having anormal shape to the connector 103 for balanced transmission. Therefore,a connector 250 for balanced transmission for optical cables as shown inFIG. 13 is used in the embodiment.

The connector 250 for balanced transmission for optical cables has theplug (female) 153 for balanced transmission as same as the cable 150 forbalanced transmission at one end of a connector body 252 for balancedtransmission and has a socket 255 for optical cables to be inserted withan optical cable 254 at the other end of the connector body 252 forbalanced transmission. A photoelectric conversion portion 256 having aphotoelectric conversion element is mounted on the socket 255 foroptical cables. Therefore, electrical signals are converted into opticallights, or optical signals are converted into electrical signals. Thesocket 255 for optical cables and the photoelectric conversion portion256 are generally mounted on a board in the connector 250 for balancedtransmission for optical cables. For this reason, a part of the socket255 for optical cables and a part of the photoelectric conversionportion 256 are exposed outside of a housing 251 in order to miniaturizewhole of the connector 250 for balanced transmission for optical cables.

Next, a description will be given of a circuit configuration of thedetecting/power providing circuit 26 with reference to FIG. 14. As shownin FIG. 14, the detecting/power providing circuit 26 has a detectingcircuit 26 a and a power providing circuit 26 b.

The detecting circuit 26 a has an AND circuit AND1, a deferentialcircuit 261 formed of comparators COMP1 and COMP2, resistors R2 throughR5 and a condenser C1. The condenser C1 is provided for a purpose offiltering out radio frequency background.

The detecting circuit 26 a is coupled to one of the ground terminals ofthe CX4 interface 15. As an example, a case where the detecting circuit26 a is coupled to the terminal G7 (Type_SENCE) is illustrated in theembodiment. When an electrical cable is coupled to the CX4 interface 15,that is to say, the cable 150 for balanced transmission as shown in FIG.5 is coupled to the plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission, theterminal G7 is coupled to the ground GND in the cable 150 for balancedtransmission. An electrical potential at a point A shown in FIG. 14equals to Vcc X (Rc/(R2+Rc)), if sum total of a conductor resistance inthe plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission and a conductor resistancein the cable 150 for balanced transmission before coupled to the groundGND equals to Rc. The electrical potential at the point A isapproximately zero, because the sum total of the conductor resistancesis too small compared to the resistance of the resistor R2.

The electrical potential at the point A is applied to an inverting inputterminal (−) of the comparator COMP1 and a non-inverting input terminal(+) of the comparator COMP2. On the other hand, the reference voltageVcc X ((R4+R5)/(R3+R4+R5)) (this value is referred to a referencevoltage 1) is applied to the non-inverting input terminal (+) of thecomparator COMP1. The reference voltage Vcc X (R5/(R3+R4+R5)) (thisvalue is referred to a reference voltage 2) is applied to the invertinginput terminal (−) of the comparator COMP2.

In the configuration mentioned above, an output of the comparator COMP1is “high”, because the electrical potential at the point A is smallerthan the reference voltage 1. In contrast, an output of the comparatorCOMP2 is “Low”, because the electrical potential at the point A issmaller than the reference voltage 2. The outputs of the comparatorCOMP1 and COMP2 are fed into the AND circuit AND1. An output of the ANDcircuit AND1 is “Low”, because the outputs of the comparator COMP1 andCOMP2 are respectively “High” and “Low”. A power switching circuit 262is thus off and electrical power is not provided to the terminal G8.

Next, a description will be given of a case where the connector 250 forbalanced transmission is coupled. The terminal G7 is coupled to theground GND through a resistor Ro in the connector 250 for balancedtransmission for optical cables. The resistance of the resistor Ro issupposed to be compliant with following equation“R5/(R3+R4+R5)<Ro/(R2+Ro)<(R4+R5)/(R3+R4+R5)”. In this case, theelectrical potential of the point A is represented in a followingequation “Vcc X (Ro/(R2+Ro))”. The potential is lower than the referencevoltage 1, and the output of the comparator COMP1 is “high”. Inaddition, the electrical potential at the point A is higher than thereference voltage 2. And the output of the comparator COMP2 is “High”.The output of the AND circuit AND1 is thus “High”. As a result, thepower switching circuit 262 is on and the electrical power is providedto the terminal G8.

Next, a description will be given of a case where no member is engagedwith the plug (male) 130 for balanced transmission, that is to say, theterminal G7 is open. When the terminal G7 is open, the power voltage Vccis applied to the point A through the resistor R2, and the electricalpotential at the point A is nearly equal to the power voltage Vcc. Inthis case, the electrical potential at the point A is higher than thereference voltage 1, and the output of the comparator COMP1 is “Low”. Incontrast, the output of the comparator COMP2 is “High”, because theelectrical potential at the point A is higher than the reference voltage2. The output of the AND circuit AND1 is thus “Low”. As a result, thepower switching circuit 262 is off, and the electrical power is notprovided to the terminal G8. This is a process for safety purpose.

Here, a relationship among an input voltage of the TYPE_SCENE at thedetecting/power providing circuit 26, the outputs of the comparatorCOMP1 and COMP2 and the AND circuit AND1, and conditions on or off ofthe power switching circuit 262 is presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1 TYPE_SENCE INPUT VOLTAGE COMP1 COMP2 AND1 CONDITION OF POWERVOLTAGE RANGE EXAMPLE OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT SWITCHING CIRCUIT 262TYPE_SENCE < 0.8 V   0 V High Low Low OFF 0.8 V < TYPE_SENCE < 2.4 V 1.6V High High High ON 2.4 V < TYPE_SENCE 3.3 V Low High Low OFFAs shown in Table 1, the power switching circuit 262 is on only when theinput voltage of TYPE_SENCE is higher than the reference voltage 2 (forexample, 0.8 V) and is lower than the reference voltage 2 (for example,2.4 V).

In accordance with the embodiment, the transceiver module 100 is capableof detecting a type of cables coupled to the transceiver module 200 andis capable of operating based on the type.

Third Embodiment

A detail description will be given of a third embodiment of theinvention with reference to following drawings. Hereinafter, the samecomponents and configurations as those of the first embodiment or thesecond embodiment have the same reference numerals and a detailedexplanation will be omitted. In addition, unspecified configuration issame as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a schematic exterior of atransceiver module 300 in accordance with the third embodiment. As shownin FIG. 15, the transceiver module 300 has the same structure as thetransceiver module 100 in accordance with the first embodiment and has alever for detachment 301 and a latch 302.

The latch 302 locks the transceiver module 300 at the host device, whenthe transceiver module 300 is attached to a slot of the host device andthe latch 302 is engaged with a groove of the rail of the slot. Thelatch 302 prevents an unconsidered detachment of the transceiver module300 from the host device. The lever for detachment 301 cancels the lockof the transceiver module 300 when the latch 302 is housed in the bodyof the transceiver module 300.

In the embodiment, the transceiver module 300 has a structure in whichthe latch 302 is housed in the transceiver module 300 when the lever fordetachment 301 is pulled forward, that is to say, in a direction wherethe transceiver module 300 is pulled out from the host device.Hereinafter, a condition of the lever for detachment 301 shown in FIG.15 is a locking condition or normal condition, and a condition of thelever for detachment 301 shown in FIG. 16 is unlocking condition.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded view of the transceiver module 300. Asshown in FIG. 17, the transceiver module 300 has the same components asthe transceiver module 100 in accordance with the first embodiment andlever members 301 a and 301 b forming the lever for detachment 301. Thatis, the lever for detachment 301 is formed of the lever members 301 aand 301 b. Beside those, the transceiver module 300 has a spring 313 anda metal member 303 having the latch 302.

There are provided arms 311 on the lever member 301 a. The arm 311 has agroove 311 a and engaging member 311 b. The spring 313 is to be engagedwith the groove 31 a. The spring 313 is interpositioned between theengaging member 311 b and the bezel 102 after assembled, and operates sothat the lever for detachment 301 returns to normal condition. That is,the lever for detachment 301 is kept locked unless being pulled out.

In addition, there is provided a wedge 304 to be mentioned later at thetip of the arm 311. The wedge 304 slides being linked to the sliding ofthe lever for detachment 301.

The opposite side of the metal member 303 from the end part where thelatch 302 is provided is formed U-shape. The part having U-shape servesas a spring.

Next, a description will be given of the operation of the wedge 304 andthe latch 302 with reference to FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B. FIG. 18Aillustrates a cross sectional view of the transceiver module 300 beinglocked taken along a line A-A. FIG. 18B illustrates a cross sectionalview of the transceiver module 300 being unlocked taken along a lineA-A.

As shown in FIG. 18A, when the transceiver module 300 is locked, one end(the latch 302 side) of the metal member 303 is not burdened from thewedge 304. The latch 302 is thus projecting outside of the body of thetransceiver module 300. On the other hand, when the lever for detachment301 slides toward the minus Y-direction, the wedge 304 slides. The latch302 side end of the metal member 303 is forced into the transceivermodule 300. Therefore, the latch 302 is housed in the body of thetransceiver module 300 (unlocked condition).

In accordance with the embodiment, it is possible to prevent theunconsidered detachment of the transceiver module from the host device.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of a fourth embodiment of theinvention with reference to following drawings. Hereinafter, the samecomponents and configurations as those of the first embodiment throughthe third embodiment have the same reference numerals and a detailedexplanation will be omitted. In addition, unspecified configuration isthe same as in one of the first embodiment through the third embodiment.

Heat is emitted from a chip component on the board provided in thetransceiver module. For this reason, a transceiver module is generallyformed by die-casting, because it is possible to form a blade (fin) in achassis of a transceiver module. However, the chassis formed bydie-casting is heavier and more expensive than a steel plate, and has aworse dimensional accuracy compared to a steel plate. The transceivermodule using electrical signals shown in the embodiments mentioned aboveis superior to a conventional transceiver module using optical signalsin electrical power consumption. In the embodiment, a pressed part isadopted to at least a part of the chassis of the transceiver module, forexample, at least one of chassises forming a housing. Therefore, it ispossible to provide a transceiver module whose size and weight isreduced and whose manufacturing accuracy and productivity rate isimproved at a moderate cost.

In addition, a simple assembly mechanism is adopted in the embodiment inorder to assemble the chassises of the transceiver module easily. Inthis case, the productivity rate is more improved.

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of a transceiver module 400 inaccordance with the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, thetransceiver module 400 has the same structure as the transceiver modulein accordance with the first embodiment whose first chassis 111 isreplaced to a first chassis 401. The first chassis 401 is a pressedsteel plate. The first chassis 401 couples directly or indirectly tosurface mounted components mounted on the PCB, in particular, a radiator411. In addition, there is provided an air hole 402 to expose at least apart of the radiator 411 to outside of the transceiver module 400, inthe first chassis 401. Further, there is provided a convexed lockingmechanism 403 on the first chassis 401. When the locking mechanism 403is engaged with a concaved locking mechanism 412 provided on the secondchassis 112, the first chassis 401 is secured to the second chassis 112.The locking mechanism 403 serves as a spring. The spring is to bedistorted when engaged with the locking mechanism 412.

In accordance with the embodiment, it is possible to provide atransceiver module that is assembled easily, whose size and weight isreduced, and whose manufacturing accuracy and productivity rate isimproved at a moderate cost.

Although a description is given of the first chassis 401 and the secondchassis 112 formed through pressing process that forms the housing ofthe transceiver module 400, the invention is not limited to theconfiguration mentioned above. The first chassis 401 or the secondchassis 112 may be formed through molding process. However, it ispreferable to metallize the chassis formed through the molding processin order to improve the chassis in electrical property.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, a detail description will be given of a fifth embodiment of theinvention with reference to following drawings. Hereinafter, the samecomponents and configurations as those of the first embodiment throughthe fourth embodiment have the same reference numerals and a detailedexplanation will be omitted. In addition, unspecified configuration issame as in one of the first embodiment through the fourth embodiment.

In the connector 250 for balanced transmission for optical cables inaccordance with the second embodiment, the photoelectric conversionportion 256 and the socket 255 for optical cables are mounted on theboard provided in the housing 251, and the body of the connector 250 foroptical cables for balanced transmission is configured to be thick. Inthe fifth embodiment, the photoelectric conversion portion 256 and thesocket 255 for optical cables are provided at an end part of the board,and the thickness of the body is reduced.

FIG. 20 illustrates a cross sectional view showing the structure of aconnector 500 for balanced transmission for optical cables in accordancewith the fifth embodiment. In addition, FIG. 20 illustrates a crosssectional view in a case where the main surface of the connector 500 forbalanced transmission for optical cables is a horizontal plane and theconnector 500 for balanced transmission for optical cables is cut downin a direction vertical to the horizontal plane and along the lengthdirection of the connector 500 for balanced transmission for opticalcables.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the connector 500 for balanced transmission foroptical cables, a board 511, the photoelectric conversion portion 256and the socket 255 for optical cables are housed in the housing formedof a first chassis 501 and a second chassis 502. The photoelectricconversion portion 256 and the socket 255 for optical cables areassembled so that the acceptance and emission surface of thephotoelectric conversion portion 256 is arranged on the bottom of thesocket 255 for optical cables, as in the case of the embodimentsmentioned above.

There is provided an internally coupled connector 512 to be insertedwith the board 511 on the rear face of the photoelectric conversionportion 256, that is to say, the opposite side face from the face wherethe socket 255 for optical cables is provided. That is, one end part ofthe board 511 has a connector shape of card edge type. The end part isinserted in the internally coupled connector 512 provided on the rearface of the photoelectric conversion portion 256. In addition, the board511 is configured so that a characteristic impedance of signal lines is100 ohm at differential signals.

In addition, the opposite end part of the board 511 from the end partwhere the photoelectric conversion portion 256 is provided has aconnector shape of what is called card edge type. The end part isconfigured to be inserted in a plug member (convexed member) 513 formedintegrally with the internally coupled connector. The plug member(convexed member) 513 is also called an external coupled connector. Adetail description will be given of the configuration.

As shown in FIG. 11, a signal contact having an insulator therebetweenis arranged vertically at the external coupled connector side of theplug member (convexed member) 513, and has a shape where the groundcontact is provided at both sides in a horizontal direction through theinsulator. On the other hand, the internally coupled connector side ofthe plug member has a shape of right angle SMT (Surface MountTechnology) type, and has a shape of clipping type of SMT.

As is configured above, it is possible to arrange the socket 255 foroptical cables, the photoelectric conversion portion 256, the board 511and the plug member (convexed member) 513 on display, and is possible toreduce the thickness of the connector 500 for balanced transmission foroptical cables.

FIG. 21 illustrates a structure of a connector 550 for balancedtransmission for optical cables. As shown in FIG. 21, the connector 550for balanced transmission for optical cables has the same structure asthe connector 500 for balanced transmission for optical cables shown inFIG. 20. The internally coupled connector 512 is provided not at thecenter but at a lower side (lower side in FIG. 20) from the center onthe rear face of the photoelectric conversion portion 256. In thisstructure, the board 511 is coupled electrically to the plug (male)member 553 through a metal member formed L-shape.

It is possible to couple the board 511 and the plug (male) member 553through a flexible board or the like. However, in this case, atransmission path gets longer by a limitation of bending radius of theflexible board, and it is possible that loss of transmission isincreased. In addition, a room for the bending radius of the flexibleboard is necessary, and it is possible that the device is increased insize. Further, there is a case where signal characteristic is affectedby refraction caused by bending of the flexible board. Therefore, it ispreferable that the board 511 is coupled electrically to the plug (male)member 553 through the metal member formed L-shape.

In addition, it is preferable that the first chassis 501 and the secondchassis 502 housing the photoelectric conversion portion 256 and theboard 511 are formed of metal. In this case, it is possible to eliminateexogenous noise and to improve electrical characteristic.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, a description will be given of a sixth embodiment of the inventionwith reference to following drawings. Hereinafter, the same componentsand configurations as those of the first embodiment through the fifthembodiment have the same reference numerals and a detailed explanationwill be omitted. In addition, unspecified configuration is same as inone of the first embodiment through the fifth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, a description will be given of a structure thatfixes the transceiver module and the connector for balanced transmissionfor optical cables (including a connector for balanced transmission) asshown in the embodiments mentioned above.

FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B illustrate a structure in accordance with thesixth embodiment. FIG. 22B illustrates an enlarged view of an area Ashown in FIG. 22A. As shown in FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, at both sides ofthe part of the connector for balanced transmission for optical cableswhere the plug (female) 153 for balanced transmission is provided, thereis provided a concaved engaging portion 601 to be engaged with anengaging portion that is provided in the transceiver module and has ahook shape. It is thus possible to fix the both and is possible toprevent an unconsidered detachment of the both.

In addition, the structure mentioned above may be a screw type of fixingportion 602, as is shown in FIG. 23.

The first embodiment through the sixth embodiment are only examples. Theinvention is not limited to those embodiments. In addition, it will beappreciated that the invention is susceptible of modification, variationand change without departing from the proper and fair meaning of theaccompanying claims.

1. A transceiver module which transmits/receives data having a firstelectrical signal format from an information-processing device, andtransmits/receives data having a second format from other components,comprising: a connector for balanced transmission that is capable ofbeing coupled selectively to an electrical cable for balancedtransmission and a connector for balanced transmission for an opticalcable to communicate with the other components using signals having thesecond format, the electrical cable for balanced transmission having aplurality of signal terminals, a plurality of ground terminals, andbeing coupled to said other components, the connector for balancedtransmission for the optical cable having a plurality of signalterminals, a plurality of ground terminals, a photoelectric conversionportion executing photoelectric conversion between optical signalsreceived from the other components and electrical signals from theconnector which are communicated via these terminals, a socket for theoptical cable on which the photoelectric conversion portion is mounted,the optical cable being inserted into the socket for the optical cable,and the optical cable being coupled to said other components; adetecting portion that detects whether a cable coupled to the connectorfor balanced transmission is one of the electrical cable and the opticalcable; and a power providing portion that provides an electrical powerto the optical cable when the cable detected by the detecting portion isthe optical cable, and does not provide the electrical power to theelectrical cable when the cable detected by the detecting portion is theelectrical cable.
 2. The transceiver module as claimed in claim 1,wherein the detecting portion has a deferential circuit formed of twocomparators, a plurality of resistors inputting reference voltages whichare different from each other to the two comparators respectively, andan AND circuit outputting a high or low level output to the powerproviding portion depending on outputs from the two comparators, and thedetecting portion compares a voltage applied to any one of the pluralityof ground terminals included in the electrical cable for balancedtransmission or the connector for balanced transmission for the opticalcable with the reference voltages which are different from each otherand input to the two comparators to detect whether the cable coupled tothe connector for balanced transmission is one of the electrical cableand the optical cable.
 3. The transceiver module as claimed in claim 1,wherein the power providing portion provides the electrical power to theoptical cable via any one of the plurality of ground terminals includedin the connector for balanced transmission for the optical cable.
 4. Thetransceiver module as claimed in claim 1, wherein a part of socket forthe optical cable and a part of the photoelectric conversion portion areexposed outside of a housing of the connector for balanced transmissionfor the optical cable.
 5. A transceiver system comprising: a transceivermodule which is coupled to an information-processing device tocommunicate via electrical signals having a first format, and transmitsdata to and receives data from other components and theinformation-processing device via signals of a second format, including:a connector for balanced transmission that is capable of being coupledselectively to an electrical cable for balanced transmission and aconnector for balanced transmission for an optical cable, the electricalcable for balanced transmission having a plurality of signal terminals,a plurality of ground terminals, and being coupled to said othercomponents, the connector for balanced transmission for the opticalcable having a plurality of signal terminals, a plurality of groundterminals, a photoelectric conversion portion executing photoelectricconversion between optical signals received from the other componentsand electrical signals from the connector which are communicated viathese terminals, a socket for the optical cable on which thephotoelectric conversion portion is mounted, the optical cable beinginserted into the socket for the optical cable, and the optical cablebeing coupled to said other components; a detecting portion that detectswhether a cable coupled to the connector for balanced transmission isone of the electrical cable and the optical cable; a power providingportion that provides an electrical power to the optical cable when thecable detected by the detecting portion is the optical cable, and doesnot provide the electrical power to the electrical cable when the cabledetected by the detecting portion is the electrical; and the cable forbalanced transmission or the connector for balanced transmission for theoptical cable that is capable of being coupled to the connector forbalanced transmission.
 6. A transceiver module, comprising: a card edgeconnector that is attachable to and is detachable from a motherboard ofan information-processing device to transmit and receive firstelectrical signals having a first format to and from the motherboard ofthe information-processing device; a transceiver portion that convertsthe first electrical signals having the first format received from themotherboard of the information-processing device into and from secondelectrical signals having a second format; and an interface whichcommunicates with other digital devices via one of an electrical and anoptical cable, detects whether the transceiver module is connected to anelectrical cable or to an optical cable, sends or receives the secondelectrical signals to or from the electrical cable if the electricalcable is connected, and converts the second electrical signals into orfrom optical signals to send or receive the optical signals if theoptical cable is connected.